ICT minister in Dubai:

Iran as major AI player in Persian Gulf, ready for regional cooperation

Iranian Minister of Information and Communication Technology Seyed Sattar Hashemi said on Monday Tehran is a key player in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Persian Gulf region and is firm in launching cooperation with the regional countries in the emerging field.
He made the remarks at the Iran Corridor 2025 conference held in Dubai that showcased the rapidly growing areas of telecommunication technology, innovation, and connectivity in Iran, wrote ict.gov.ir.
In his inaugural speech, the minister stated that the Persian Gulf region has a pivotal role in the evolving AI ecosystem.
“AI is reshaping how we approach challenges and seize opportunities. It is not only a technological revolution rather a catalyst for economic growth and social transformation. This region possesses unique strengths that causes us to harness AI’s potential and become a global digital leader.”
Hashemi went on to say that as regional countries increasingly invest in AI infrastructure, they lay the cornerstone for innovation-driven economies that shape the future.
“The Persian Gulf region offers an unparalleled opportunity to foster AI initiatives that cater to our collective aspirations. By cultivating environments that encourage collaboration and investment, we can transform our region into a powerhouse of AI excellence, attracting global tech giants while strengthening intraregional partnership for shared prosperity,” he noted.
As a major stakeholder in the regional digital landscape, Iran brings invaluable assets to the table, the minister said, adding, “Our domestic mobile phone operator, with over 50 million users as well as thriving digital service platforms such as Snapp! and digikala, each serving more than 30 million users, provide an abundance of multifaceted data -- an essential ingredient for AI development.”
“Despite facing economic sanctions, Iran has successfully developed a resilient fintech ecosystem that continues to thrive and innovate. Moreover, our country’s academic and research capabilities have propelled us to the forefront of AI advancements,” Hashemi stated.
“In 2023, Iran ranked second in the region in terms of the number and quality of scientific papers in AI, demonstrating our commitment to cutting-edge research and development. Moreover, Iran holds the second position in the region for AI developers, highlighting the depth of our skilled workforce and stands fourth in the region in terms of the number of AI firms, showcasing our dynamic and rapidly growing ecosystem.”
The minister said our human capital, available at competitive costs is a strategic advantage that positions Iran as a valuable partner in regional AI initiatives.
“This combination of talent, data, and innovation makes Iran a key player in the regional AI value chain, capable of driving meaningful cooperation and development. Looking ahead, Iran is committed to fostering regional cooperation and building a future where AI promotes prosperity and unity.”
He went on to say, “We propose a strategic framework for collaboration that leverages our collective strengths, combining Iran’s skilled human capital and its infrastructure with the investment capabilities and infrastructure of our neighboring countries. By establishing AI acceleration hubs, facilitating joint investment in free zones, and enhancing academic collaboration and elite exchange programs, we can unlock new opportunities for innovation and economic growth.”
The usability of regional processing capacity by Iranian companies, along with the creation of shared ecosystems, will enhance our collective competitiveness on the global stage, Hashemi noted, adding that, “We envision a future where the Persian Gulf region emerges as a leading force in AI development, driving solutions that address our shared challenges and propel us toward a prosperous future.”
He concluded his speech by saying, “Together, let us act boldly, invest wisely, and transform our shared vision into a reality because the future of AI belongs to us. The time to act is now.”

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